Struggling with masters

Cannotlie

I'm currently doing a masters and working part time. I have zero motivation and I'm struggling a lot with doing any coursework. I did very well in my undergrad however. Obviously the workload with a masters is more intense.

I don't know what's wrong with me. Mentally I'm not doing well to be honest. I have zero confidence in myself anymore. Just feel like I'm dragging myself around every day, feeling very burnt out. I feel like I'll have to drop out, because I'm unable to keep up with the work, but I know that will damage my self esteem even more, that I wasn't able for it. I've suffered with depression before, not sure if that's what's going on now but I went to the doctor and she increased my meds, but I still feel the same. I really want to do my master's but I'm so unhappy at the moment I have no idea what to do.

Vlove

Cannotlie wrote: »

I'm currently doing a masters and working part time. I have zero motivation and I'm struggling a lot with doing any coursework. I did very well in my undergrad however. Obviously the workload with a masters is more intense.

I don't know what's wrong with me. Mentally I'm not doing well to be honest. I have zero confidence in myself anymore. Just feel like I'm dragging myself around every day, feeling very burnt out. I feel like I'll have to drop out, because I'm unable to keep up with the work, but I know that will damage my self esteem even more, that I wasn't able for it. I've suffered with depression before, not sure if that's what's going on now but I went to the doctor and she increased my meds, but I still feel the same. I really want to do my master's but I'm so unhappy at the moment I have no idea what to do.

I'm sorry to hear you are struggling, have you ever thought about telling this to your coordinator or even attend counselling?

Cannotlie

I would feel embarrassed and ashamed saying it to my coordinator. Also i don't know what she could do to help. I think I will try counselling.

L1985

Just a thought is the masters the right one for you? I started a masters and I adored my undergrad but the masters I picked was wrong for me and I hated it. Best thing I did was dropping out-I was devestated at the time but was glad in hindsight as it wasn't right and I'd have been miserable. Also meant I'd have come out from college right in the middle of the recession!!

Rubberchikken

Have you given enough time for the increase in meds to kick in?
Also is the masters something you really want to do?
If it is then maybe talking to a counsellor for a while plus the meds might get you back on track.

If it really isn't something you have your heart set on then maybe admitting that and letting it go for now could be the best decision.
Good luck

Big Bag of Chips

If you want to finish this at the level you started you are going to have to get over you embarrassment and approach someone, maybe whoever is in charge at your work placement and ask for feedback or guidance on where you are going wrong, or what you need to improve.

Embarrassment won't kill you! And in the working world you are going to go for performance reviews and will make mistakes etc and you will have to admit mistakes or ask for assistance etc.

Nobody is expected to know everything. Employers prefer to have people come to them with questions to clarify what they need to do rather than carrying on regardless and perhaps making mistakes.

Cannotlie

Thanks for all the replies. I am very interested in the master's but not 100% if it's for me tbh. Maybe that is a reason I'm struggling. I just don't know. Will try reaching out even if it's hard. Just you never know what the other person's reactions will be, with mental health stuff.

Big Bag of Chips

Don't use your mental health as an excuse. You don't need to bring it up if you don't want to. Up to this point you have been working to an exceptional standard. Now, you have somebody telling you it's not good enough. So ask them what's wrong. What are you not achieving. Where are you going wrong. You are doing a masters. You are being taught and guided. So if you are falling down somewhere it's up to your tutor/coordinator/supervisor whoever to guide you. You don't know it all. You're not supposed to. Ask for advice.

Vlove

Cannotlie wrote: »

Thanks for all the replies. I am very interested in the master's but not 100% if it's for me tbh. Maybe that is a reason I'm struggling. I just don't know. Will try reaching out even if it's hard. Just you never know what the other person's reactions will be, with mental health stuff.

I'm sure they deal with anxious masters students since they are paid to hold the course you're in. Don't be afraid of these people if something is not right!

Teyla Emmagan

Have you a break coming up at Christmas? Keep it together till then. Month off and you will be flying.